William Martin Fahning Sr., known lovingly as Billy, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on January 18, 2026, following a long and courageous battle with illness. Born June 23, 1954, in Buffalo, New York, Billy was the son of William and Sheila Fahning of North Tonawanda, New York.

Billy is survived by his wife, Robin (Maurer); his son, William Fahning Jr.; and his daughter, Lauren Patterson, her husband Kevin Patterson, and granddaughter, Laila Patterson, who brought immeasurable joy to his life. He is also survived by his sister, Julie Fahning of North Carolina; his niece, Sarah Hardee, her husband, Taylor Hardee; and their daughter, his great-niece, Adley Hardee.

Billy was an avid fisherman who cherished time spent at his family’s island lake house in the 1,000 Islands, New York—a place filled with memories of friendly fishing competitions and days on the water. He also deeply enjoyed being a member of the LaSalle Sportsman’s Club. A devoted Buffalo Bills fan, Billy never missed a game and eagerly anticipated each week’s kickoff with unwavering enthusiasm.

Billy’s talents extended far beyond the fishing competitions. He was a gifted musician who marched in drum corps for many years and played in the 1970s rock band “Shade.” His academic pursuits were equally impressive, having studied at Niagara County Community College, the University at Buffalo, Rochester Institute of Technology, and the Brooklyn Polytechnic Institute of NYU. Professionally, Billy was a dedicated engineer, contributing his skills to AIL, Bell Aerospace, and other organizations, including work on the B-1 Bomber and the micro landing system for the Space Shuttle Challenger.

Billy’s final resting place will be Cold Spring Cemetery in Lockport, New York. Details for his memorial service will be announced at a later date.

He will be remembered for his strength, his humor, his passions, and the love he carried so deeply for his family.

In loving memory

“Keep me in your heart, not in your grief,

For love is long and life is brief.

Remember laughter, warm and true—

Every joy I felt was you.

And when the days feel hard to bear

Just close your eyes

I am right there.”